GPs have been warned about using answerphone messages to tell patients to call
the NHS 111 service when they are at lunch or in a meeting.

Health chiefs have written to family doctors warning them that diverting the calls to the new helpline during their office hours is a breach of contract.

NHS England sent a letter to all practices in the capital last month claiming that “there are an increasing number of examples” of GPs diverting patients the new non-emergency service during office hours, the Daily Mail reported.

Diversions during lunch, half-days, meetings or busy periods are a 'misuse' of the service, they warned, and those responsible could be issued with “breach notices”.

But the British Medical Association, which represents the doctors, have accused NHS England are “bullying” and trying to deflect blame for the disastrous launch of the new 111 helpline.

The service has just been introduced nationally but there have been a number of teething problems in the service.

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Patients have been complaining about calls going unanswered and poor advice being given, especially at weekends, which has led to hospitals being inundated with patients who could be treated elsewhere.

GPs are contracted with the NHS to provide care between the hours of 8am and 6.30pm on weekdays.

Many close for lunch or when the doctors have commitments elsewhere, including training or meetings.

Whilst some practices arrange cover from an out-of-hours care company or locums who can be telephoned in an emergency, a handful urge their patients to call 111, NHS England claims.

The BMA say that only a few GPs are responsible, and some practices have mistakenly been using the same answerphone message that they use at night.